Alcoholic composition of a cationic dye-alkyl aryl sulfonic acid complex and process of dyeing therewith

ABSTRACT

A stable dye solution comprising a complex of a basic dye with a linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acid surfactant, a lower alcoholic component, an alkalizing agent to adjust the pH of the solution and water. The instant invention is further directed to a process of preparing said dye solution and a method of using same.

United States Patent [191' Streck [451 Feb. 27, 1973 [54] ALCOHOLIC COMPOSITION OF A CATIONIC'DYE-ALKYL ARYL SULFONIC ACID COMPLEX AND PROCESS OF DYEING THEREWITH [75] Inventor: Clemens Streck, Loudonville, N.Y. [73] 'Assignee: GAF Corporation, New. York, N.Y.

[22] Filed: Dec. 21, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 100,513

[52] US. Cl. ..8ll73, 8/177 AB [51] Int. Cl. ..D06p 5/04 [58] Field or Search ..8/177 AB, 173; 260/240 E ['5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Mueller et a1. ..8/173 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,028,867 5/1966 Great Britain ..8/177 AB OTHER PUBLICATIONS Colour Index, 2nd Ed., Vol. 2, 1956, pp. 2815, 2816 Primary Examiner-George F. Lesmes Assistant ExaminerT.'.l Herbert, Jr.

Attorney-Walter C. Kehm, Samson B. Leavitt and Steven J. Baron [57] ABSTRACT 8 Claims, No Drawings ALCOHOLIC COMPOSITION OF A CATIONIC DYE-ALKYL ARYL SULFONIC ACID COMPLEX AND PROCESS OF DYEING THEREWITII The instant invention is directed to clear concentrated dye solutions which contain a complex of a basic dye with a linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acid surfactant. In particular, the instant invention is directed to clear dye solutions comprising a complex of a basic dye and a linear alkyl aryl sulfonic'acid surfactant in a solvent mixture of a lower alcoholic component, an alkalizing agent to adjust the pH of the solution and water. Furthermore, the instant invention is directed to a process for preparing such dye solutions and method of using same.

The dye solutions of the instant invention are particularly suited for use in connection with acrylic fibers.

Acrylic fibers have the common characteristic that such fibers are all hydrophobic. Such hydrophobic polymers are difficult to dye with many of the usual types of commercially available dyestuffs, by pad'thermofixation particularly to uniform deep shades. As a result, in the past, many fabrics made therefrom have only been available in pastel shades.

While the cationic dyes have greatly improved the dyeing ability of the "Acrylic fibers, the industry has still sought to improve the dyeing of such materials by development of fasterand more economical processing operations. A

In 1949, the Thermosol process of dyeing was developed by duPont for commercial thermofixation of dispersed dyes on polyester fibers. This method led the way in the general direction of producing afaster and more economical processing operation by offering a continuous dyeing system for synthetics which allowed speed of operation parallel to that obtained on natural fibers with conventional processes such as the Williams unit or pad-steam processes. This thermofixation process is now well established for the dyeing of certain synthetic fibers and fabrics in the dyeing industry, but its use with cationic dyes for acrylic fibers has so far been unsuccessful. This process basically comprises a continuous method for dyeing fibers, fabrics etc. by a brief exposure of such material to high temperatures. Thus, for example, temperatures of approximately 400F for approximately 1 minute are conventionally utilized in a Thermosol process to thermofix the dispersed dye in the dyeing of polyester fibers etc.

While such a process also has aided the dyeing of acrylic and other synthetic materials, such process possesses disadvantages which prevented commercial acceptance.

' Dispersed dyestuffs can be thermofixed on acrylic fibers, but'such dyestuffs cannot be built up to medium and heavy depth, and also, their fastness is generally not sufficient for most uses. While cationic dyestuffs alsothermofixon acrylic fibers and in some cases yield good results, thereare certain inconveniences present again with the employment of such materials. These include for example, lack of-buildup,incompatibility and sensitivity to other classes of dyesand chemicals that may have to be used to assist the operation or to dye other components of a multifiber blend, and, a heavy staining of the equipment that is'used in the application of cationic dyestuffs on acrylic fibers. Thus, for example, pad rolls, frame clips, etc. become so heavily stained that cleaning between different runs becomes a major and costly operation in the employment of cationic dyestuffs.

The padding of dispersions of insoluble complexes maintained in dispersion by the addition of a non-ionic surfactant have formed the basis of other proposals. Such a system has the disadvantages of requiring the employment of an additional nonionic surface active agent in order to create a stable dispersion of the insoluble complex formed between the cationic dyestuff and the anionic retarding agent. While such a method produces some satisfactory results, the process is selective as to the dyestuff that can be employed and the system itself is extremely delicate and very difficult to use industrially with success.

It has also been proposed to employ specially dispersed dyes (Sevron T pastes) that form salts in situ with the anions of the fiber during thermofixation. This salt formation does not occur properly, however, unless the fabric has been pretreated (preferably at the boil) with a concentrated solution of ammonium sulfate to replace the fiber polymer anionic groups with an ammonium radical. The ammonium radical, under thermofixation conditions, splits off and allows the fast linkage of the dye to the fiber. In industrial practice, however, this system is not satisfactory. It did not prove economically advantageous because of the necessity of a pretreatment of the fiber before the dyeing operation. It is also a delicate process which involves careful control at an industrial level. Therefore, such a process has not been adopted with success.

As a result of the above development in connection with processes suitable for use in the dyeing of acrylic fibers, processes have been developed in which the basic dyes have been employed extensively. Particularly, such processes are applicable to the newer synthetic fibers such as polyacrylonitrile, mixed fibers containing same, as well as fibers derived from same in addition to other acrylic fibers. As a result thereof, further effort has been extended in the area of producing solutions of such dyes so as to overcome the inconveniences of the user previously associated when the dye employed was applied in a powdered or pulverulent form. When the dye is so supplied to the ultimate user, he must first form a paste, reduce the paste to the desired strength, and subsequently dilute same prior to his use thereof. Furthermore, a dyestuff solution avoids the pollution of the air in and around that area in which the dyeing is being accomplished.

In addition to the difficulties associated with the use of powdered dyestuffs, manufacturers have been confronted with numerous difficulties in the preparation of dye solutions. In the past, it has been extremely difficult to obtain dyestuffs in solutions or liquid form which are concentrated so as to minimize the shipping costs thereof. Furthermore, difficulties have been encountered in the preparation of concentrated dyestuff solutions which are stable under adverse temperature conditions and prolonged storage conditions. In the paste it has been noted that such concentrated dye solutions when subjected to such adverse temperature or prolonged storage conditions result in a haze or precipitate thus, making said solutions unsuitable for use in connection with the dyeing of fibers. Furthermore, such hazing or precipitation results in a change in the concentration of the resulting dye solution and, in addition, the specking of dye on the material which is to be dyed.

As will readily be appreciated from the above, much effort has been expended in the development of concentrated dye solutions, but, to this date, no such solutions which are particularly suited for use in connection with acrylic fibers have been developed. Such a stable dye solution based upon a complex of a basic dye and a linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acid has now been developed in accordance with the present invention.

Therefore, it is an object of the instant invention to provide a clear, stable dye solution.

Another object of the instant invention is to provide a clear, stable dye solution which is particularly suited for use in connection with acrylic fibers.

Yet another object of the instant invention is to provide a concentrated dye solution which comprises a basic dye complexed with a linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acid surfactant.

Yet another object of the instant invention is to provide a concentrated dye solution which comprises a complex of a basic dye with a linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acid surfactant and a solvent mixture comprising a lower alcoholic component, an alkalizing agent to adjust the pH of the solution and water.

A still further object of the instant invention is to provide a process of dyeing acrylic fibers which comprises contacting said fibers with a dye solution comprising a complex of a basic dye and a linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acid surfactant and a solvent mixture comprising a lower alcoholic component, an alkalizing agent to adjust the pH of the solution and water.

A still further object of the instant invention is to provide a process of preparing a stable, concentrated dye solution comprising a complex of a basic dye and a linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acid surfactant and a solvent mixture comprising a lower alcoholic component, an alkalizing agent to adjust the pH of the solution and water.

As previously noted, the instant invention is directed to the preparation of a clear, stable dye solution which comprises a complex of a basic dye and a linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acid surfactant in a solvent mixture of a lower alcoholic solvent, an alkalizing agent to adjust the pH of the solution and water.

It has been found, however, that the basic dyeanionic surfactant complexes while superior to anything previously known are still not sufficiently soluble so as to enable the preparation of suitable dye solutions in sufficient concentrations. It has unexpectedly been found, however, that one can obtain commercially useful dye solutions which liquify readily and produce sufficiently concentrated solutions according to the instant invention. Furthermore, the resulting solutions have been found to be extremely stable and resistant to hazing and precipitation, the primary disadvantages of those solutions previously known.

The dyestuffs employed in the process of the present invention can be prepared from any of the different types of cationic or Basic dyes employed in the dyeing of fibers and fabrics and acrylic fibers and fabrics in particular. The following basic dyes, classified by types are suitable for the preparation of the dyestuffs of this invention:

AATCC Prototype Class and Name C]. No. Designation Triphenylmethane Methyl Violet 42535 Basic Violet l Magenta ABN 42520 Basic Violet 2 Crystal Violet 42555 Basic Violet 3 Fuchsine N 42510 Basic Violet l4 Genacryl Blue 60 42025 Basic Blue 1 Rhoduline Blue SBA 42140 Basic Blue 5 Genacryl Blue 58 42140 Basic Blue 5 Victoria Pure Blue 800 42595 Basic Blue 7 Victoria Blue BS 44045 Basic Blue 26 Brilliant Green B 42040 Basic Green 1 Victoria Green S 42000 Basic Green 4 Oxazine Genacryl Blue 30 51005 Basic Blue 3 Sevron Blue 56 51004 Basic Blue 4 Basic Navy Blue D 51 Basic Blue 6 Nile Blue BXA 51180 Basic Blue 12 Anthraquinone Sevron Blue B Basic Blue 21 Sevron Blue 26 Basic Blue 22 Sevron Violet B Basic Violet 24 Sevron Blue BGL Basic Blue 35 Astrazon Blue CSGL Basic Blue 45 Astrazon Blue 3RLW Basic Blue 47 A20 Bismarck Brown 21000 Basic Brown 1 Basic Leather Brown 5R 21030 Basic Brown 2 Paper Brown T 21010 Basic Brown 4 Cyper Black 1A Basic Black 3 lndazol Blue R 12210 Basic Blue 16 Acridine Orange N 46005 Basic Orange 14 Chrysoidine RS 11320 Basic Orange l Chrysoidine Y Extra 11270 Basic Orange 2 Sevron Yellow 3RL Basic Yellow 15 Calcozine Acrylic Yellow G Basic Yellow 26 Sandocryl Yellow B-4RL Basic Yellow 32 Sevron Orange L Basic Orange 24 Sevron Brown Y1. Basic Orange 26 Calcozine Acrylic Orange 3R Basic Orange 31 Sevron Red L Basic Red 17 Sevron Red GL Basic Red 18 Sandocryl Red B-GL Basic Red 23 Calcozine Acrylic Red 36 Basic Red 30 Calcozine Acrylic Violet 3R Basic Violet 18 Thiazole Thioflavine 49005 Basic Yellow 1 Diphenylmethane (ketonimine) Auramine 41000 Basic Yellow 2 Basic Yellow AR 41001 Basic Yellow 37 Auramine G 41005 Basic Yellow 3 Xanthene Rhodamine 66 45160 Basic Red 1 Rhodamine G 45150 Basic Red 8 Rhodamine B 45170 Basic Violet 10 Methine Genacryl Orange G 48035 Basic Orange 21 Genacryl Orange R 48040 Basic Orange 22 Genacryl Pink G 48015 Basic Red 13 Genacryl Red 68 48020 Basic Violet 7 Genacryl Yellow 46 48055 Basic Yellow 11 Genacryl Yellow 5G 48065 Basic Yellow 12 Astrazon Yellow 7GLL Basic Yellow 21 Astrazon Golden Yellow GL Basic Yellow 28 Genacryl Pink G Basic Red 13 Genacryl Brilliant Red B Basic Red 15 Genacryl Red 4B 48013 Basic Violet l6 Azine Safranine 50240 Basic Red 2 Methylene Violet 3RD 50205 Basic Violet 5 Thiazine Methylene Blue 52015 Basic Blue 9 New Methylene Blue A 52030 Basic Blue 24 Calcozine Green 52020 Basic Green 5 Acridine Euchrisine GGNY 46040 Basic Yellow 9 Flavo Phosphine R 46035 Basic Orange 9 Basic Yellow 3R 46005 Basic Orange 14 The above list is representative of those cationic dyestuffs that can be advantageously employed in the process of the present invention. It is, of course, to be understood that any suitable cationic dye that is advantageously employed in the dyeing of fibers and fabrics and particularly acrylic fibers and fabrics can be advantageously employed in the production of the water-soluble complex in accordance with the present invention.

In connection with the instant invention, it has been found that one can only obtain the novel complexes by use of a linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acid. This is clearly distinguished from previous efforts in the field wherein anionic surfactants generally have been employed. It is noted, however, that the linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acids provide unique properties to the dye-surfactant complex which cannot be obtained with other anionic surfactants which are derived from carboxylic acid, sulfuric esters, alkane sulfonates, mahogany sulfonates, petroleum sulfonates, phosphorous compounds, other sulfur containing acids, anionic rosin derivatives, lignin derivatives, alkali taurates and sarcosinates, alkali sulfates, and sulfonated derivatives of naphthalene- .form-aldehyde condensates. The linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acids that can be employed in accordance with the present invention are generally the C;- C alkyl aryl sulfonic acid wherein the aryl moiety is selected from the benzene, naphthalene and diphenyl series. Exemplary of the suitable linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acids are:

n-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid n-hexadecylbenzene sulfonic acid n-octadecylbenzenesulfonic acid n-tridecylbenzenesulfonic acid n-nonyldiphenylsulfonic acid n-dodecyldiphenylsulfonic acid n-nonylnaphthalenesulfonlc acid It is preferred that the alkyl chain of these linear alkylaryl sulfonic acids contain from about eight to about 24 carbon atoms.

The novel dyestuff-linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acid complex may be prepared in situ by mixing the dyestuff and the linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acid in a solvent mixture. The temperature of the mixture is usually at room temperature. The reaction is slightly exothermic. The amount of linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acid employed to produce the novel complexes of the instant invention with a basic dye varies with the particular alkyl aryl sulfonic acid employed and the particular dyestuff employed in the production of said complex. When the complex is produced in situ, approximately one part of dyestuff is employed with a slight stoichiometric excess of alkyl aryl sulfonic acid. One may also employ up to ten parts or more of the alkyl aryl sulfonic acid. It should be understood, however, that one may employ a far greater excess of alkyl aryl sulfonic acid and that the limitation on the use of such an excess over that amount which is necessary is purely an economic limitation. The amount of alkyl aryl sulfonic acid necessary to form the complex is that amount which is sufficient for the production of a soluble complex when the alkyl aryl sulfonic acid is complexed with a basic dyestuff.

As previously noted, the novel compositions of the instant invention comprise a complex of a linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acid surfactant and a basic dye in a solvent mixture of a lower alcohol, an alkalizing agent to adjust the pH of the solution and water. The alcoholic solvent employed in connection with the composition is the same solvent employed in the production of the basic dye-linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acid complex. The alcoholic component is preferably a lower alkanol such as, for example, methanol, ethanol, propanol, etc., lower alkylene glycol, such as, ethylene glycol,

diethylene glycol, etc., or lower alkoxy ethanol, such as, methoxy ethanol, ethoxy ethanol, and butoxy ethanol, etc. The amount of such alcoholic component employed may be from about 5 to about 25 parts of the total weight of the formulation.

In accordance with the present invention it is preferred at the linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acid be in the free acid form since it is preferable that the pH of the surfactant be within the range of about 3 7 when the complex with the basic dyestuff is formed. While the sodium and similar alkali metal and alkaline earth salts are applicable in accordance with the present invention, since such salts are generally at a higher pH of about 7 10, it is preferred that such salts be converted to the free acid form prior to preparation of the complex.

While the pH of the complex thus formed is generally within the range of about 1 to 6, the final pH of the solution is within the range of 2 7.5, preferably 6 7.5. To accomplish this, the solution is alkalized by the addition of an alkalizing agent in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH of the final solution to the desired range.

As the alkalizing agent, any can be used which is capable of adjusting the pH to the desired range. Suitable alkalizing agents include such materials as lower alkyl amines and lower alkanol amines; ammonium hydroxide; alkali metal hydroxides, e.g. sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide; alkali metal carbonates and bicarbonates, e.g. sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate; magnesium oxide, etc. Of the above, the lower alkyl amines and hydroxides are preferred.

The lower alkyl amines and alkanol amines employed in connection with the instant invention should be in the liquid form and may be exemplified by propylamine, isopropylamine, diisopropylamine, triisopropylamine, isobutylamine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, methylaminoethanol, dimethylaminoethanol, butanolamine, pentanolamines, hexanolamines, heptanolamines and the like. These liquid lower alkyl amines may be employed in amounts of from 3 to about 15 parts of the total weight of the formulation.

The third component of the solvent mixture is water which should be added to produce a clear and stable solution. It is noted, however, that a minimum amount of water should be employed and the minimum is determined by the amount which will produce much a clear and stable solution. It is also noted that other additives including, for example, anti-foam agents and other conve'ntional ingredients may be employed in connection with the instant composition.

The instant invention will now be illustrated by the following more detailed examples thereof. It is to be noted, however, that said invention is not deemed as being limitative thereby.

All parts and proportions referred to herein and in the appended claims are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

EXAMPLE 1 parts of Genacryl Blue 58 (CI. 42140) and 3 parts DC Antifoam FG (silicon antifoam) were stirred therein. The pH of the mixture was adjusted to from between 6 and 7 with monoethanolamine and water was added to adjust the total volume to 350 parts.

The resulting solution was clear when diluted with water and stable under prolonged storage conditions. Furthermore, it is noted that the resulting solutions did not haze nor form a precipitate.

EXAMPLES 2 7 The following formulations were prepared:

2 3 4 5 6 7 Nacconol 98 SA (linear dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid) 130 130 130 I30 130 130 Cellosolve 50 80 60 65 50 50 Water 68 63 90 40 40 Monoethanolamine 27.25 28 28 27.5 28 27 DC Antifoam PG 3 3 3 3 3 3 Genacryl Pink 3G (C.l. Basic Red 14) 23 Genacryl Yellow 46 (C.l. Basic Yellow 11; 28 28 C1. 48055) Genacryl Red GL (C.1. Basic Red 18 38 Genacryl Red 3BL (C.l. Basic Red 22) 100 Genacryl Blue 5B (C.l. Basic Blue 5; 40 C.l. 42140 Monoethanolamine to pH 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 Water to 350 350 350 350 350 350 As in Example 1, clear stable liquid resulted from the above formulations.

EXAMPLES 8 11 The following examples were formulated in the manner of Example 1.

Naccono] 98 SA (linear dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid) 130 130130 130 Cellosolve 90 6550 50 Water 150 5860 60 Monoethanolamine 27 2727 27 Victoria Green S (C.l. Basic Green 4;C.l. 4200) 100 Genacryl Blue 30 (Q1. Basic Blue 3; C.l.5l005) 35 Genacryl Red 68 (Q1. Basic Violet 7; CI. 48020) 35 Genacryl Orange G (C.l. Basic Orange 21; C.l. 48035) l9 DC Antifoam PG 3 33 3 Monoethanolamine to pH 6.5 6.56.5 6.5 Water to 450 300300 300 As in Example 1 a clear, stable liquid resulted.

EXAMPLES l2 13 As in Example 1 the following formulations were compounded.

Nacconal 98 SA (linear dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid) 46 46 Methanol l6 l8 Ammonium hydroxide ll 11 Water 16 17 Genacryl Pink 30 (CJ. Basic Red 14) 7 Genacryl Yellow 4G (C.l. Basic Yellow ll; CI. 48055) DC Antifoam FG l 1 pH adjusted with ammonium hydroxide to pH 7 7 As in Example 1 clear, stable solutions were produced.

EXAMPLES l4 18 The following examples were formulated in the manner of Example 1.

In all cases clear, stable solutions were obtained.

EXAMPLES l9 22 The following examples were formulated in the manner of Example 1.

19 20 21 22 Nacconol 98 SA linear dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid) 130 130 130 130 Ethanol 50 Isopropanol 50 Diethylene glycol 50 Butoxyethanol 50 lsopropanolamine 27 27 27 27 Water 68 68 68 68 Genacryl Pink 30 38 38 38 38 DC Antifoam F6 3 3 3 3 lsopropanolamine to pH 6-7 6-7 6-7 6-7 Water to 500 500 500 500 In all cases good stable solutions were obtained.

EXAMPLE 23 1. Two assistants were prepared as follows:

A B Assistant Parts Parts Cellosolve 38 28 DC Antifoam H-l0 emulsion 2 2 Sodium hydroxide 40Be 13 Water 10.2 Magnesium oxide 2.8 To this mixture was added slowly 'Sulframine Acid 1298 47 47 Heat and stir to the fon'nation of viscous solutions pH 6 'Sulframine Acid 1298 is a linear alkylarylsulfonic acid.

2. The following linear alkylarylsulfonic aciddyestuff complexes were prepared:

1 2 Parts Parts Assistant A 600 Assistant B 600 Cellosolve 100 Water 50 50 Genacryl Yellow 46 100 100 Spectral analysis showed the relative strengths to be: 1. 270/100 and 2. 270/100.

They were adjusted to equal strength as follows:

3 4 Parts Parts 90 90 Cellosolve 10 10 (3) Was fluid (4) Was more fluid 3.0 Parts solutions 3 and 4 were made up to 133 parts with water. 1.0 part Genacryl Yellow 40 per se was combined with 2 parts Soropon SF-78, sodium salt, and 1 part Cellosolve and made up to 133 parts with water. Orlon-75 was padded with these solutions at 120F., dried and cured at 400F. for 1 minute. All dyeings were excellent.

EXAMPLE 24 The following solutions were formulated:

Parts Parts Assistant A (from Ex. 23) 85 Assistant B (from Ex.-23) 80 Cellosolve 5 l0 Genacryl Pink 3G 10 Polyacrylonitrile was pad-dyed by a solvent dyeing process and gave excellent dyeings. When padded on polyacrylonitrile fabric in usual manner, employing an aqueous solution, drying and curing, excellent dyeings also resulted.

I EXAMPLE 25 The following solutions were formulated:

. parts parts Assistant A (from Ex. 23) 85 Assistant 13 (from Ex. 23) 85 Genacryl Red GL l5 15 Solvent dyeings were made giving excellent dyeings. When made into aqueous padding solutions and'employed to dye polyacrylonitrile fabric in usual manner employing curing at 400F. for 1 minute, excellent dyeings were also obtained.

EXAMPLE 26 The thus-formed solutions had excellent stability. Polyacrylonitrile fabric, dyed by a solvent dyeing process gave excellent dyeings. When made into aqueous pad solutions and padded onto, dried and cured in usual manner, excellent dyeings resulted.

EXAMPLE 27 The following formulations were prepared:

parts parts parts parts Cellosolve 38 38 38 38 DC Antifoam H-IO emulsion 2 2 2 2 Sodium carbonate 6 Sodium bicarbonate 9.5 Potassium hydroxide 6.3 Lithium hydroxide 2.7 Sulframine Acid 1298 47 47 47 47 These formulations were stirred to the formation of solutions.

To each was then added 10 parts Cellosolve, and 10 parts Genacryl Yellow 40.

Dyeing of polyacrylonitrile fabric by a solvent dyeing process yielded excellent dyeings.

When aqueous paddings were made in usual manner on polyacrylonitrile and cured at 400F. for 1 minute, the dyeings were excellent.

As will readily be apparent from the above concentrated liquids are particularly suited for transportation and use in connection with the dyeing of acrylic fibers. In the receiving dye house, the concentrated liquid may be adjusted to the desired strength with water and the viscosity thereof adjusted by the addition of thickening agents and/or other additives if desired. The particular additives employed in connection with the above concentrated dye solutions will be determined by the particular use to which said solutions are put.

What is claimed is:

l. A novel dyestuff composition for the dyeing of acrylic fibers and fabrics comprising a pre-formed water-soluble complex of a cationic dye with a linear C alkyl aryl sulfonic acid, a lower alcoholic solvent, an alkalizing agent and water, said composition having a pH of about 6 to about 7.5

2. The aqueous dyestuff composition of claim 1 wherein the linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acid surfactant is employed in a stoichiometric excess sufficient to impart water solubility to said complex.

3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the lower alcoholic solvent is selected from the group consisting of butoxyethanol, ethoxyethanol, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and diethylene glycol.

4. The composition of claim 1 wherein the lower alcoholic solvent is present in an amount of from about 5 to about 25 parts by weight based on the weight of the total composition.

5. The composition of claim 1 wherein the alkalizing agent is present in an amount of from about 3 to about 15 parts by weight based on the weight of the total composition.

6. The composition of claim 1 wherein said alkalizing agent is selected from lower alkyl amines, lower alkanol amines, ammonium hydroxide and alkali metal hydroxides.

7. The composition of claim 6 wherein said alkalizing agent is a lower alkanol amine selected from monoethanolamine and isopropanolamine.

8. In a therrnofix process for dyeing acrylic fibrous material comprising padding said fibrous material with defined in claim 1. 

2. The aqueous dyestuff composition of claim 1 wherein the linear alkyl aryl sulfonic acid surfactant is employed in a stoichiometric excess sufficient to impart water solubility to said complex.
 3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the lower alcoholic solvent is selected from the group consisting of butoxyethanol, ethoxyethanol, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and diethylene glycol.
 4. The composition of claim 1 wherein the lower alcoholic solvent is present in an amount of from about 5 to about 25 parts by weight based on the weight of the total composition.
 5. The composition of claim 1 wherein the alkalizing agent is present in an amount of from about 3 to about 15 parts by weight based on the weight of the total composition.
 6. The composition of claim 1 wherein said alkalizing agent is selected from lower alkyl amines, lower alkanol amines, ammonium hydroxide and alkali metal hydroxides.
 7. The composition of claim 6 wherein said alkalizing agent is a lower alkanol amine selected from monoethanolamine and isopropanolamine.
 8. In a thermofix process for dyeing acrylic fibrous material comprising padding said fibrous material with a dyebath, drying the padded material and curing same at an elevated temperature, the improvement which comprises employing in the dyebath a composition as defined in claim
 1. 